Why not android instead?

Why wouldn't microsoft use android with a unique windows skin that makes it stand out while not having to worry about the e empty app store? Cortana can work the same way bixby does and continuum can still work

Why wouldn't microsoft use android with a unique windows skin that makes it stand out while not having to worry about the e empty app store? Cortana can work the same way bixby does and continuum can still work

They already have a start on creating an Android 'skin', granted it's just a launcher, but I LOVE Arrow Launcher even more than stock Android. I don't think it would take a lot of resources, just refocus groups who are working on Windows 10 Mobile towards Android. Too bad they didn't do it while still running a large part of Nokia.

Would you buy a 'Surface' phone if it ran Android, but had the look and feel of the Surface Pro 4? And throw in some Windows Hello features for unlocking your PC, like some Samsung phones do. I would!
I don't like Samsung UI/UX, not a fan of LG build quality, or lack of. I would much rather by a Microsoft Android phone over two of the largest Android OEMs.

This is how google maintains control over what the manufacturers do, to ensure that google isn't shut out from android. The onerous licensing requirements force manufacturers to do things in order to gain access to androids strongest assets, such as the play store. Just because it's android, doesn't mean it's allowed to get the play store.

Too many choices in the Android market already.
Windows Mobile should stay Windows Mobile.
All or nothing.

This. BlackBerry tried to use an Android runtime to help "patch" the app gap, but it only caused many developers to be less motivated to build quality apps for BlackBerry 10. Worse now, the runtime is stuck at 4.3, so you either have to buy an Android-powered BlackBerry, or accept the fact that many Android apps won't work or will become worse over time.